Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s office is seeking to get Sh2.6 billion for renovations in the upcoming budget.
Documents presented before the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs show that part of the money will go towards the refurbishment of his Harambee Annex office and his official Karen residence.
The documents, which were presented to the committee for consideration of the 2024/25 Financial Year Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure and The 2023/24 Supplementary Estimates No. II, show Sh1.12 billion will be for refurbishment.
The office intends to use Sh460 million and Sh660 million to renovate the Harambee Annex and Karen residences respectively.
The remaining Sh1.48 billion comprises Sh200 million for the acquisition of motor vehicles, Sh250 million for the implementation of an alcohol drugs and substance abuse programme, Sh250 million for the purchase of medals, honours, and insignia and Sh800 million for confidential expenditure.
Patrick Mwangi, an official from the office made the submission saying there was the need for the two offices to be refurbished as they are old.
“The continuous lack of maintenance has necessitated a facelift targeting major functional areas and security systems of the building,” he said.
Committee chair, Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo, wondered why Sh250 million was needed for the purchase of medals, honours and insignia yet the country is in a very poor situation.
Other expenditures include Sh247.7 million for catering services, accommodation, gifts, food and drinks, Sh301.5 million for boards, committees, conferences and seminars, Sh2 million for the purchase of staff uniforms and clothing trainees.
Sh17 million for International News Services, Sh205,000 entertainment allowance, Sh33.6 million for transport allowance, Sh205.5 million for house allowance, Sh22 million for overtime for civil service.
Sh5 million for domestic servant allowance, Sh328.5 million for personal allowance, Sh520,000 for gas, Sh31.4 million for telephone, facsimile and mobile phones and Sh10 million for internet connections.
Others are travel cost for both airline, bus, railway and mileage allowances (Sh171.8 million), accommodation for domestic travel (Sh91.7 million), sundry items such as airport tax, taxis (Sh5.7million), domestic travel and subsistence and other transportation costs (Sh343.6 million), travel cost by airlines, bus, railway (Sh163.8 million), accommodation (Sh93.8 million), state visits abroad (Sh15 million) and foreign travel and subsistence and other transportation costs (Sh287.6 million).
The office has already spent some Sh250 million on what it terms as the ‘fight’ against alcoholism.
By Matildah Obaigwa
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